BLYTH Spartans are shaping up for tomorrow’s planned trip to FC United of Manchester having parted company with Shaun Vipond.

The midfielder was one of Steve Cuggy’s first signings, in summer 2011.

But a serious leg injury shortly after curtailed his first season at Croft Park, and this term he has not been a regular in the starting XI.

A club statement read: “Everyone at Croft Park would like to thank Shaun for his efforts at the club and wish him all the best in the future.”

The Spartans have not played since January 12, when a 1-0 defeat at Chorley ended a mini-revival – after seven games without victory – of two consecutive wins. The latter of those, a 5-3 triumph at Stocksbridge Park Steels, took the club through the third round of the Doodson Sport Cup, effectively the Evo-Stik League Cup.

However, next Tuesday’s scheduled fourth-round tie at home to either North Ferriby United or Sheffield FC has been postponed until further notice.

The pair have yet to play their third-round game despite repeated attempts, the last of which was on Tuesday. They are set to try again this coming Tuesday.

In the meantime, Blyth hope to get the go ahead to travel to Bury’s Gigg Lane tomorrow – the home of seventh-placed FC United.

Paddy Atkinson’s side stand 15th in Evo-Stik Premier, and were only narrowly beaten – 2-1 – when the two teams met at Croft Park on December 1.